Agartala, Nov 3: On Monday, Chief Minister Manik Saha called on government doctors to limit patient referrals outside Tripura unless absolutely necessary, emphasizing the government's dedication to improving healthcare facilities within the state.

During a public grievance redressal event known as "Mukhamantri Samipeshu," Saha noted that many individuals express health concerns and frequently ask for referrals to facilities outside the state for advanced medical care.

He stated, “We have established nine super-specialty departments at Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital, with plans for four more. If patients continue to seek treatment elsewhere, it raises questions about the purpose of these super-specialty services. This indicates a lack of trust from both doctors and patients.”

Dr. Sankar Chakraborty, Medical Superintendent of GBP Hospital, reported a decrease in referral cases, dropping from over 900 in 2024 to approximately 500 by October this year.

The Chief Minister also criticized two medical colleges, Santiniketan Medical College and Tripura Medical College (TMC), for their disappointing performance in the latest MBBS examination results.

He remarked, “Reports indicate unsatisfactory outcomes from these institutions in the first-year MBBS exams. The government will not accept any decline in medical education standards and is prepared to provide necessary support.”

Additionally, Saha announced that the relevant authorities have approved the addition of 50 MBBS seats at Tripura Medical College, with an official notification anticipated soon.

Currently, Tripura offers 400 MBBS seats across its three medical colleges.